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Re-using surfaces

Re-using surfaces

Re-using surfaces

(OP)
Hello there!

I'm new to SW but have considerable working experience with Catia V5. I find working with SW pretty similair and got of to a quick start. There's just one problem...

I'm not quite familiar with the surface bodies folder in the tree. Surfaces in this folder can be used for further operations. Sometimes after such an operation this surface disappears from the folder and it can no longer be displayed nor used?

I have a sweep in my model I would like to use for several trimming operations. However, after trimming the sweep I can no longer use the sweep for another trim? It's still in the tree but I cannot show, hide of use it for other manipulations...The only way to achieve what I want is to recreate the sweep using the same sketches. In V5 I could just re-use a surface over and over for several operations.

Am I doing something wrong or is this the way to go???

Thanx for your interest!

RE: Re-using surfaces

Under the Surface bodies folder you should be able to display a surface body (RMB hide/show). If that does not turn on the surface, then it maybe your computer. Please list your specs: Video card/drivers, Ram, CPU speed, etc.

Regards,

Scott Baugh, CSWP
www.scottjbaugh.com
FAQ731-376

RE: Re-using surfaces

In SW surfaces are sometimes "consumed" by an operation, meaning the original surface after that point in history is no more, or it could be that its name changes, which is a frequent an annoying feature of the way SW handles bodies.  

One technique that is commonly used to preserve bodies is to rollback before it is consumed and copy it (using Move/copy bodies, zero distance offset or knit).

RE: Re-using surfaces

When a model has certain key surface definitions, I put those definitions at the top of the feature tree.  I do not allow those master definitions to be used for anything except copying (usually by offset).  Then the copies are referenced and/or consumed as needed.

Making copies of master surfaces has a near-zero impact on regeneration.  Same for cleaning up surface "scraps" using "Delete Bodies".

This is what I do for models that have key surface definitions.  I actually cultivated this when working in Pro/E.  Works well in almost any CAD program.  Also, this method works well when building from imported geometry.

I could be the world's greatest underachiever, if I could just learn to apply myself.
http://www.EsoxRepublic.com-SolidWorks API VB programming help

RE: Re-using surfaces

Tick,

Is there a way you do not allow the master surfaces to be used for downstream operations or is this your own self-discipline?

In other words, can someone who is unfamiliar with your modeling methods open up one of your models and use a master surface for trimming and such?

I'm not questioning your method - it makes a lot of sense - I'm just wondering if there is a way to make it impossible to use these surface bodies for anything other than copies?

RE: Re-using surfaces

Rename the surface feature to, "IF YOU USE THIS,YOU'RE FIRED"

cheers
Helpful SW websites  FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions  FAQ559-1091

RE: Re-using surfaces

(OP)
Excellent stuff!

Thanx guys! It's not a graphical problem since all the surfaces in the surface bodies folder can be  displayed. Now I understand that my master surfaces are actually being consumed. I will try the copy trick mentioned above...

Does SW update the copied surfaces when the master surface is changed? Do they have a link to the master surface or do they behave just as instances?

Thanx!

RE: Re-using surfaces

I also use TheTick's method, since it saves a lot of headache and time when building models, future edits, etc.  Use CorBlimeyLimey's method of labeling your features (surfaces) and although it won't make using your master surface impossible, it should help the more dense of us figure out what's going on in the feature tree.

Jeff Mowry
www.industrialdesignhaus.com
Reason trumps all.  And awe trumps reason.

RE: Re-using surfaces

After using the master surfaces to create the consumable ones, you can use the Delete body function to effectively make the master surfaces unselectable. To make them selectable again, a user would have to delete (or supress) the Delete body feature.

If multiple master surfaces are used, they can be placed into a suitably named folder which a user has to open gain access. Another step toward making the masters "less attractive" to use.

cheers
Helpful SW websites  FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions  FAQ559-1091

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